Abstract
Objective: To evaluate the effect of dopamine on thyroid hormone tests and prolactin (PRL) and to assess requirement for L-thyroxin (LT4).
Methods: The infants (n = 102) were divided into three groups (Group 1; received no dopamine, Group 2 received ≤25 mg/kg cumulative dose and Group 3; received >25 mg/kg cumulative dose). Blood samples were taken at 6–8 days (timepoint 1), 13–15 days (timepoint 2), and 4–6 weeks of life (timepoint 3).
Results: Respiratory distress syndrome was higher in group 2 and 3. Patnet ductus arteriosus was higher in group 3 than in groups 1 and 2. Duration and cumulative dose in group 3 were higher than group 2. There was no difference between thyroid hormones that were taken after stopping infusion at timepoint 3 among all groups. No therapy with LT4 was needed. PRL levels were higher at timepoint 1 in group 1 than compared to group 2 and 3 (p < 0.05), and no difference between group 2 and 3 (p > 0.05). This difference was disappeared at following timepoints.
Conclusions: The release of TSH, FT3, FT4 and PRL were not inhibited and prophylactic thyroid hormone treatment was not required in VLBW infants receiving dopamine infusions.
Declaration of interest
The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of this article.